Defense Minister Rajnath Singh will not attend Russia's Victory Day celebrations in Moscow on May 9. Sources indicated that Singh was supposed to visit Russia in place of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. PM Modi was invited to Moscow's Victory Day, but after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, he canceled the trip.
Now, Sanjay Seth, the Minister of State for Defense of India, will represent the nation at this event. The event marks the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Germany in World War II, considered a national pride event in Russia, featuring several global leaders and military figures.
While no formal reason from Russian officials for PM Modi's cancellation was given, it is believed the decision considers the evolving security situation in India.
Prime Minister Modi visited Russia twice last year, once for an annual summit with President Vladimir Putin and again to attend the BRICS Summit in Kazan.
It's noteworthy that President Putin might visit India this year for a proposed annual summit between the two nations. Putin recently condemned the Pahalgam attack as a heinous crime and reiterated support for India in the fight against terrorism.
Following this attack, Prime Minister Modi warned that terrorists and their supporters would face relentless pursuit to the ends of the earth. In a high-level security meeting on Tuesday, he instructed the armed forces to take necessary actions. Meanwhile, Pakistan has expressed concerns over potential military actions from India.
